The Different Types of Beer: A Quick Guide

Have you ever felt embarrassed when you walk into a bar with dozens of types of beer yet choose the worst kind for you and your friends because you don’t know anything about beer?

It can be frustrating if you like drinking beer but know next to nothing about this classic beverage. What many beer lovers don’t realize is that it’s actually quite easy to understand the different types. 

If you want to find out about the best types of beer, read on and we’ll tell you what you need to know. 

The Difference Between a Lager and an Ale

Did you know that the main difference between different kinds of beer has to do with the fermentation process?

Beer companies make lagers from one strain of yeast and they make ales from a different kind. They also brew lagers at a colder temperature than they brew ales at. 

There are various different kinds of lagers, which include dark pilsners, blocks, and pale American ales such as Coors Light. Since there are so many different kinds of pales, you’re probably not surprised to hear that it’s the world’s most popular kind of beer. Most of the world’s best beer brands brew several different kinds of lagers. 

Ales are very distinct and include varieties such as red ales, IPAs, and super malty stouts. Each of these varieties has its own unique characteristics. For example, the bitter taste that IPAs have is a result of the large amount of hops that it contains. 

If you want to buy a keg of beer and are not sure what kind to get, you can’t go wrong with buying a lager or an ale. You should also know the basic steps for tapping the keg that you buy, and the best techniques for pouring a beer. You can learn more here

Some of the Most Popular Types of Beer

Since there are so many dozens of kinds of beer in the world, we can list them all. Here are several of the most unique and popular kinds which you’ve probably seen on tap at your local bar. 

Ambers

Ambers can actually be lagers or ales. People enjoy drinking them for their toasty malts that taste like caramel. They are moderately bitter and many brewers like to add hints of citrus and pine for flavoring. 

Bock

This lager beer was first brewed in Germany and is dark and malty. It usually has a sweet and strong flavor. 

Kolsch

Brewers use both ale and pilsner techniques in order to create this unique kind of beer. Though it comes from Germany, it is now popular all over the world. 

It’s Easy to Tell Apart the Different Kinds of Beer

It’s not as difficult to tell apart the different kinds of beer as you might think. Remember that the two most common varieties of beer are pilsners and ales. Many of the most popular types of beer originally come from Germany but you can now find them all over the world. 

If you want to find out more about the world’s different kinds of beer, don’t forget to check out the Lifestyle section of our website where we publish many informative articles on this topic.